Former Lincoln-Sudbury star John Sexton hoping for a storybook finish to his Notre Dame career

By Marisa Ingemi/Daily News Correspondent

Thursday

May 10, 2018 at 6:55 PMMay 10, 2018 at 11:36 PM

Former Lincoln-Sudbury standout John Sexton was recently drafted by the Dallas Rattlers of Major League Lacrosse, but first he and his Notre Dame team are looking to make a long NCAA Tournament run.

When Sudbury’s John Sexton was watching professional lacrosse as a high school player, his aspirations were to go pro.

Now a star defender with Notre Dame, he’s seen that path open up.

“It’s very exciting,” he said. “It’s something I dreamed of when I was younger. I went to [Boston] Cannons games, and always wanted to be doing that someday.”

Sexton was selected 10th overall in the Major League Lacrosse draft in late April, becoming just the second draft selection in the history of the Dallas Rattlers.

The senior was long projected as a first round draft pick but fell just outside with the 10th pick.

“We [Notre Dame] came back from a Lyft, and someone when I came in mentioned that I was drafted,” said Sexton. “It was a cool moment to find out from my teammates.”

While Sexton is set to begin with the Rattlers once the college season ends, he’s hoping that’s not for a while yet.

Notre Dame is projected to make a deep run into the NCAA postseason, with the final four slated to be played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough for the second straight season.

The Fighting Irish, who are 9-5 and won the ACC Tournament with wins over then No. 1-ranked Duke in the semifinals and Virginia in the finals, host Denver in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday.

“We have a hopefully long rest of the season moving ahead,” said Sexton. “We’re all trying to stay focused on that as much as we can.”

A two-time Tewaaraton nominee, Sexton was named a USILA First Team All-American before the season. He was banged up to start the campaign, but settled into a role as the Fighting Irish’s shutdown defender once again.

And on May 2, Sexton was named the ACC’s Defensive Player of the Year.

“It’s been a great season so far,” said Sexton. “I started off a bit injured, but feeling better and that makes things a lot easier. It’s been an incredible opportunity to be a captain this year and lead teammates in a different way. It’s something I am extremely proud of.”

Before going to college, Sexton went to Lincoln-Sudbury, where he was a four-time Dual County League All-Star, Eastern Massachusetts All-American, and Under Armour All-American.

As a long-stick midfielder with the Warriors, he scored 22 goals and 21 assists. He also helped lead the school’s football team, captaining the squad in his senior season as a defensive tackle.

But lacrosse was his first love, and the support of the community back home has continued to push him.

“It’s second to none,” said Sexton.. “It’s overwhelmingly supportive from everyone in it. That’s continued in my college career. People that I grew up playing with and was friends through lacrosse go to my games now or reach out and wish our team luck.”

The Warriors didn’t win a title when Sexton was there, but he was a part of the foundation that helped lead them to their current success as three-time defending Division 1 state champions.

“I never take it for granted,” said Sexton. “I got to play with so many great players and leaders with the program. The second you step through the door as a freshman, you’re taken under the wing of the older guys looking out for you. Everyone is a part of it.”

Now, Sexton is focused on bringing a national title to the Fighting Irish. After that, he has his sights set towards helping lead the Rattlers in their inaugural season in Texas.

But, before he can look ahead, Sexton always recounts the memories created at L-S.

“Early mornings at the high school, a bond is forged with those guys,” he said. “They’re always a tight-knit group of guys, and that’s always continued.”